Lithuania’s successful two decades in NATO and the EU

After regaining independence, Lithuania saw integration into the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a primary strategic goal.
In order to achieve this goal, many important tasks had to be done in the field of domestic politics: consolidating democracy, transitioning from an inefficient planned economy to a free market, curbing crime, strengthening free media, developing human rights policy, and creating and fostering civil society. It was no less important to consistently strengthen our positions in international politics. Towards a major historical, geopolitical goal – international recognition and Euro-Atlantic integration – we moved decisively and consistently, while gaining more and more confidence.
in 2004 March 29 Lithuania became a full member of NATO. On the same day, the F-16 fighter jets of the Royal Belgian Air Force, which landed in Šiauliai, began to carry out the NATO air police mission. Lithuania joined the EU in 2004. May 1st The inscription “European Union” appeared on Lithuanian passports. There are now 32 countries in the defense alliance.
Membership in NATO and the EU fundamentally changed the historical and geopolitical conditions that determined the fate of Lithuania for centuries, as well as our self-perception, – we understand that Lithuania’s membership in these organizations is a guarantor of our security and growth, as well as the responsibility to make and implement decisions ourselves and together with our allies for ensuring national and collective security, economic well-being. Today, more than thirty allies and partners are interested in Lithuania’s political and economic stability and geopolitical security, and Lithuania, together with allies and partners, contributes to the implementation of these extremely important goals of the Euro-Atlantic area.
Membership in NATO and the EU not only significantly contributed to strengthening the country’s security, but also created the conditions for the rapid growth of the country’s economy and its resistance to external threats. Flexible, fast and smart – this is how foreign investors describe the Lithuanian economy. Our country is like a successful start-up, ready to create together with the world. Rapidly adapting to global changes, Lithuania is a great place to develop innovations in financial technologies, life sciences, software and other fields. Players of global importance – companies and talents come to Lithuania together with us to create future solutions that change the lives of millions of people.
The 20th anniversary of NATO and the EU is a great opportunity to look back and assess the path our state and society have taken, what cooperation with the allies has given us and what we ourselves have been able to give them, what are the links of Lithuanian, European and Euro-Atlantic identity.
The sense of vigorous growth, stability, and security provided by twenty years of NATO and EU presence allows us all to become creators of the breakthrough we are experiencing together. We can feel like creators of the future, enjoy personal and country achievements. We can more easily face the challenges of the country and our own lives when we know that we are creating security and stability ourselves.
20 years of membership in NATO and the EU is a solid foundation from which Lithuania can stand up and rise, strive for more, see the overall picture and contribute to its creation. As we meet these important anniversaries, we do not forget the important question that should be considered when we meet an important anniversary – how we will continue to create a safe and prosperous future based on common democratic values ​​with our allies NATO and the EU.

Information from the Ministry of National Defense

• in 1994 January 4 The President of the Republic of Lithuania Algirdas Mykolas Brazauskas sent a letter to NATO Secretary General Manfred Wörner with Lithuania’s wish to become a member of NATO. The letter states the position based on the agreement signed by the representatives of all parliamentary parties regarding Lithuania’s aspiration to become a member of NATO. On the same day, A. M. Brazauskas issued a statement regarding Lithuania’s membership in NATO.
• in 2002 November 21 In Prague, seven NATO candidates – Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia – were invited to start negotiations with NATO on membership.
• in 2004 March 10 The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania ratified the North Atlantic Treaty (Washington Treaty).
• in 2004 March 29 The Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, A. M. Brazauskas, during his visit to Washington, together with the Prime Ministers of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, presented the letters of ratification of the Washington Treaty to the US Secretary of State Colin Powell. On this historic day, Lithuania became a full member of NATO.